Suspected armed kidnappers launched a brazen attack on travelers along the Ayere-Kabba federal expressway in Kogi State on Tuesday, abducting three passengers and injuring four others. The injured victims were rushed to St. John’s Hospital in Kabba for medical treatment.
Counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama, who focuses on the Lake Chad region, disclosed the incident in a post on his X (formerly Twitter) handle. Citing intelligence sources, Makama stated that the attack occurred around 3:00 p.m. when the assailants emerged from the bush and forcefully stopped two vehicles—a Hummer bus and a Toyota Camry sedan.
“The gunmen then abducted three passengers whose identities have yet to be confirmed, while four others sustained varying degrees of injuries,” Makama said. He added that the kidnappers carried out the ambush in a coordinated manner, forcing the vehicles to a halt before whisking the victims into the bush.
In response to the attack, a joint operation involving troops from the Nigerian Army, police, and local vigilantes was mobilized to the scene. The operatives launched a search operation to track the kidnappers’ hideout and ensure the safe rescue of the abducted victims.
The incident highlights the growing insecurity along major highways in Nigeria, with travelers increasingly at risk of kidnappings and armed attacks. Authorities are under pressure to intensify efforts to curb criminal activities and ensure the safety of citizens on the roads. Further updates on the rescue operation and the condition of the injured victims are expected in the coming days.